Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!

"You're entering the competition?"

"Hmm..."

"Why do you bring a..." The man in charge of registration, donning a metallic hip-hop style, sized up the odd man before him from top to bottom, before managing to barely string his words together, "bring such a strange... head cover?"

"The Bull Warrior never removes his mask." It wasn't that Kuang Xin wanted to be such a nuisance, but it was only now that he truly realized the troubles his initial good looks had caused.

He had always been wandering in the wilderness, with most interactions with NPCs handled by Gong Yan and Dai Lian, effectively leaving him in a wild man's state.

Now back in a human congregation, the aftermath of his charm +10 was that wherever he went, he was stared at with unusual eyes—if it weren't for the public setting, he would've believed he could be knocked out with a cudgel any minute and dragged into a corner for unspeakable acts...

Only after sneaking out, taking a stroll, and finding a sack to put over his head, did the feeling of being scrutinized alleviate somewhat.

Although he still attracted attention, covetous glances had turned into stares that seemed to say, "look at that fool," which, all in all, was more acceptable.

Hearing Kuang Xin's response, the registrar tapped the desk with his pen, curious, "Your name is Bull Warrior?"

"Hmm."

"Such a silly name, but whatever... I'll ask you one last time, are you sure you want to compete?"

Peering through the hole poked in the sack, Kuang Xin looked at him with firm eyes, "I'm sure!"

The registrar glanced behind Kuang Xin, seemingly puzzled, "Then where is your guarantor?"

"Guarantor..." After a moment of surprise, Kuang Xin spoke in a deep voice, "I am my own guarantor."

The registrar burst out laughing in annoyance, "Don't eff around if you've got nothing better to do..."

Not even knowing the rules here, yet wanting to compete?

Probably just some kid, blood running hot, seeking excitement.

These types are the most troublesome—if they get injured during a match, their family making a fuss is the last thing anyone wants.

Although the underground fights are callous and unrestrained, such a youngster without heat or controversy clearly couldn't bring in much profit; no profit and all hassle, nobody would willingly let them fight.

It's precisely to avoid such trouble that the rule was established requiring newcomers to be accompanied by a guarantor.

Although it wasn't foolproof, it was still better than someone insisting on fighting just because they said so.

"Yes! Yes!" A hoarse voice excitedly called out from a distance, as Hans made his way through the crowd, rushing to meet him, "He has a guarantor, it's me."

As he spoke, Hans looked at Kuang Xin, his eyes conveying a familial reproach, "Why did you run off so fast without waiting for me?"

Finally seeing him again!

Ever since the last time he threw him the remaining chunks of meat, this fool had vanished so completely from his world as if he'd disappeared.

The sensation of his strength welling up like a spring and the awakening of skills in his body was fleeting, like a night-blooming cereus.

Hans, slow to realize, desperately pursued that wonderful sensation but could never seem to find it again anywhere.

He had a hunch... the problem lay with this big fool.

If only he could meet him again...

Hans tried to suppress the heartbeats almost leaping from his chest.

His own youth, his own vitality, it was all brought to him by this fool in front of him.

This time, he must hold on tightly!

Observing the newcomer, Kuang Xin's gaze sharpened.

It's you again, old man. The mission is already done. Believe it or not, I'll kill you, grr~

However, considering you've helped me out just now, I'll let you off easy this time…

"…" Looking at the two before him, who seemed as if they were father and son, the registrar didn't think much of it and just outstretched a hand, "Pay up."

"How much?" Kuang Xin asked casually.

After Yanzi had taken out the bullets and returned with a lot of money, he now carried the substantial sum of exactly 500 Blackwater coins!

"500."

"…" As if he could see the savings I had on me.

Kuang Xin inwardly complained but willingly took out the money.

The registrar seemed to have some standards, and as he took the money and registered them, he explained, "Normally, contestants don't have to pay, but since it's your first time here, this is considered a security fee. Plus, rest assured, this money isn't for us; it's for your own bet. If you win, you'll get the principal and profits back based on the odds; if you lose, naturally, it's gone.

Understood?"

Such a hassle…

Kuang Xin just wanted to skip, "Understood, understood."

"There's one more thing to explain; since it's your first competition and you're a newcomer, you're not qualified for a death match. So, the upcoming fight won't be to the death for you, and you can't deal fatal blows to others, got it?"

"s… Understood, understood!"

"Good to hear." The registrar nodded in satisfaction. Death wouldn't occur, but things like concussions, paralysis, broken hands, or legs were all possibilities.

After all, for the sake of the spectacle, some realism had to be sought.

"Here, sign this. If there are no questions, you can sit over there and wait. When your name is called, you go into the ring."

"Alright." Kuang Xin took the pen and was about to sign when Hans snatched it from him, "Let me have a look."

This silly kid wasn't bright; how could he trust what someone else said? What if their 500 Blackwater coins were mysteriously given away? It was necessary to check for him.

The registrar wasn't in a hurry; such people were rare. He watched the bloody fights in the ring while letting them dawdle.

"No problem… go ahead and sign."

Kuang Xin snorted in disdain, "Like I need you to tell me."

Facing Hans, who had conned him before, Kuang Xin had no patience.

After signing, Kuang Xin walked off, and Hans, who wanted to follow, was stopped by the registrar, "That area is for contestants. What are you doing there? Wait outside."

"Oh~" Hans smiled obsequiously at the man, then turned around and yelled at Kuang Xin's retreating figure, "Hey! Kid, give it your all! I believe you can win!"

[Side Quest Triggered — Underground Boxing.]

[Physical Training: Your body carries Hans' sincerest hopes. Win this fight. Quest objective: Defeat your opponent in the upcoming match 0/1. Quest completion reward: Universal Experience +25, item reward unknown.]

"…"

Damn it! Still as stingy as ever!

But that doesn't affect the normal quest progression. Why not take the free reward?

Accepted!

"Got it, you old thing!" Kuang Xin waved his hand and entered the contestant area without any reluctance.

Watching Kuang Xin walk away, Hans smiled contentedly.

His dreams seemed to be fulfilled through him… how wonderful.

"I still have 100 Blackwater coins; please bet on his opponent for me…" As he spoke and was about to take out the money, Hans' expression changed abruptly, and for some reason, he changed his mind, "Nevermind, let's bet on this kid instead. Put this 100 on him too, let's raise the stakes!"

The registrar glanced at the old man missing a tooth, indifferently accepted the money, and handed him a betting slip for 600 Blackwater coins, "Here, go wait on the side."